Operating experience with pressurised components of German light-water reactors

Operating experience of pressurised components is reported on the basis of 19 light-water reactors operating in Germany. The design basis and material s have demonstrated their worth. Licenses are not limited in time, and the major regulatory effort is directed to continuous improvement in plant safe ty. Technical issues for long-term operation as evaluation of operating exp erience, plant monitoring, replacement of components are addressed. The bas ic safety concept as the design basis for the pressurised components is ill ustrated by some of its details. The main results from the analysis of oper ating experience are mentioned. Plant monitoring and inspections are import ant measures to ensure the integrity of the components and to maintain the safety level of the plant. The expansion of the monitoring system may allow a reduction in the scope of inspections. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Sc ience S.A. All rights reserved.